Bridges

Permanent Bridges

A Bridge is one way to replace a tooth. The bridge will utilize the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth to anchor the missing tooth. This is a fixed bridge which cannot be removed. The teeth adjacent to the space are shaped in a manner similar to a tooth needing a single crown, impressions are taken, a temporary bridge is placed.

More teeth can be replaced depending on how many anchor teeth remain.

EXAMPLE: Total upper or lower 6-8 teeth optimal. These teeth are like natural implants which can hold the bridge fixed to your mouth without the use of dentures.

It's important to replace teeth that are missing.

When a space exists, the teeth on either side tend to try to occupy the space. So spaces between the other teeth can become larger and replacing the missing tooth is made difficult because of the lack of space where the original tooth was. Shifting can also cause imbalances with the bite that can lead to headaches and TMJ problems.

The antagonist the tooth on the opposite side of the missing tooth upper or lower will tend to look for the other tooth to grind against. If the tooth does not exist the tooth tends to migrate outward to find the antagonist. This tooth will migrate to the point that it will come loose or come in contact with the gums on the other side.